Danielle Coleman, Theft of Government Funds, Louisiana 2023

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Table of Contents

New Orleans Woman Sentenced for Theft of Social Security Funds

Danielle Coleman, a 39-year-old resident of New Orleans, LA, has been sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay restitution for her role in stealing over $86,000 in social security funds.

According to court documents, Coleman’s grandmother was receiving Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits until her death in 2009. Following her grandmother’s passing, Coleman possessed her grandmother’s ATM card and began withdrawing money from her account, using it for her own personal expenses. This theft continued for years, with Coleman failing to notify the SSA of her grandmother’s death and taking approximately $86,280 in SSA benefits.

An investigation by special agents with the SSA, Office of Inspector General and the United States Department of Treasury, Inspector General for Tax Administration, revealed Coleman’s scheme. The probe also uncovered an additional $1,200 in COVID-19 stimulus funds that were erroneously deposited into Coleman’s grandmother’s account, which Coleman also used for personal expenses.

Coleman pleaded guilty to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier handed down the sentence, which includes a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General and the United States Department of Treasury, Inspector General for Tax Administration. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and Spiro Latsis.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activity and the consequences of theft of government funds. Coleman’s actions not only cheated the system, but also placed her own family members at risk of financial hardship.

As part of her sentence, Coleman will be required to pay restitution of $86,280 and complete five years of probation. The case is a stark reminder of the consequences of white-collar crime and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.